CHARITY CYCLING EVENTS TO CONQUER ALS

The Death Ride Tour INC - Going on 9 Years Strong!

DEATH RIDE Tour Inc., Charity Cycling Events was formed in 2009 as a 501c3 Non-Profit to support the War On ALS and help make a difference in the lives of those fighting this horrible, devastating disease. The concept is to put on challenging cycling events in some of the most beautiful parts of our county. Southern Colorado and the San Juan Mountains including the Million Dollar Highway, Red Rocks Park including the Front Range Mountains outside Denver and the Berkshires including Mt Greylock in Western Massachusetts.

Our Mission:

The DEATH RIDE Tour Inc. was formed because of a love and passion for cycling and a dedication to support research for the devastating, always deadly disease ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) the Lou Gehrig Disease. The idea to put on challenging cycle events that would push the ability of the participant and at the same time bring a strong sense of accomplishment for a task well done.

As said by “Bicycle” Bob Gregorio, the original 17-time DEATH RIDER, the DEATH RIDE and all the other events put on by DRT Inc are more than cycling challenges; they are a test of will. A conversation with one’s own faith of spirit to endure. The confidence gained by preserving in the face of hardship and exhaustion in these events serves one in all facets of life”.

Why Cycle To Conquer ALS? BECAUSE OF – TZEDAKAH

MEANING OF TZEDAKAH

A Hebrew word literally meaning justice or righteousness but commonly used to signify charity but though it is different concept from charity because Tzedakah is a n obligation and charity is typically undertoood as a sponaneous act of goodwill and a marker of genorisity, In Judaism, Tzedakah refers to the obligation to do what is right and just.

So remember this quote – “ What We Do For Oursleves Dies With Us. What We Do For Others Remains And Is Immmortal”. Albert Pike

Some Famous People Affected By ALS

New York Yankee great Lou Gehrig

New Orleans Saint Steve Gleason

San Francisco 49er Dwight Clark

2 Time DEATH RIDER, Husband, Dad, Friend Michael Cimbura

Irvin Ellis Sopinsky, Devoted Husband,
Father and all around good guy
October 31, 1921 – September 26, 1966

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease is a devastating, crippling and always fatal disease. There is NO CURE. The diagnosed are often facing years of suffering as their bodies progressively deteriorate. Since 1869, 20 plus million people have suffered and then died of ALS including my father.

Irvin Sopinsky died of ALS at the young age of 44 when I was 13. He battled this horrible disease for 7 years. That was 51 years ago and not much has changed since then.

ALS is a disorder that affects the function of nerves and muscles. Based on U.S. population studies, a little over 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year. (That’s 15 new cases a day.) IT is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time According to the ALS CARE DATABASE, 60% of the people with ALS in the Database are men and 93% of patients in the Database are Caucasian.

Most people who develop ALS are between the ages of 40 and 70, with an average age of 55 at the time of diagnosis. However, cases of the disease do occur in persons in their twenties and thirties. Generally, though, ALS occurs in greater percentages as men and women grow older. ALS is 20% more common in men than women. The incidence of ALS in men and women as they get older becomes more equal.

There are several research studies – past and present – investigating possible risk factors that may be associated with ALS. More work is needed to conclusively determine what genetics and/or environment factors contribute to developing ALS. It is known. However, that military veterans, particularly those deployed in the South Pacific during WWII and during the Gulf War, are approximately twice as likely to develop ALS.

Half of all people affected with ALS live at least three or more years after diagnosis. Twenty percent live five years and more: up to ten percent will live more than ten years.

There is some evidence that people with ALS are living longer, at least partially due to Clinical management interventions, riluzole and possibly other compounds and drugs under investigation. This is way getting legastation passed for the “Right To Try” is so very important.

ASL – TDI is the leader in ALS research and here is there position on Right To Try:

I have always struggled with the lack of awareness and resources there were to help those with this insidious disease, for their care takers, and dollars for research to find a cure for it. Thanks to the 2014 “Ice Bucket Challenge”, there now is a much greater awareness and some research dollars, however, it’s not effort. Every August is Ice Bucket Challenge Month Until There Is A Cure.

Do not forget the impossible that happened back in 2014. Keep the Ice Bucket Challenge alive until there is a cure.

Over the years, I have gained a love and passion for cycling and a desire for TZEDAKAH. Tzedakah is Hebrew for: To Give Back … To Be Righteous … To Do The Right Thing. The DEATH RIDE Tour Inc., Charity Cycling Events …Cycle To Conquer ALS fulfills those needs and since its inception has become a very rewarding experience, not only for myself, but for the over 1200 participants who have conquered some of the most challenging rides in the USA.

I am truly dedicated to CONQUER ALS to honor the memory of my Dad, Irvin Sopinsky and to support all participants of our cycling events. Without you and our donors none of this could take place.

This is a true meaning of TZEDAKAH.

Thank you

Click a video below to see why we ride

Celebrating the Life of Jamie Fitzpatrick

The Honorary 2013 Angel of Life is Jamie Fitzpatrick. Jamie, his wife Quinn, and some very close friends rode in the Death Ride Tour IV in 2012. Jamie was an inspiration to everyone in his group as well as to anyone else that came across him on the ride.

Sadly, Jamie died later that year on December 3rd of a heart attack. He was only 60 years old. We ask for all of our riders to celebrate Jamie and his life and to use his passion, friendliness, and commitment to cycling to motivate them during their ride.

Jamie Fitzpatrick – Honorary 2013 Angel of Life. Jamie, his wife Quinn and some very close friends rode the DEATH RIDE Tour IV in 2012. Jamie was an inspiration to everyone in his group and anyone else that came across him on the road. Jamie died suddenly later that year on December 3 of a heart attack. He was only 60 years old.

Jamie & Quinn Fitzpatrick

Jamie's group at the 2012 DRT IV

Good friend Tom Ballentyne and son Trevor in 2015 with the Jamie memorial flag

Peak to Peak Coaching Marshal Evans

About Marshall Evans

Before my 7-year experience and passion on the bike began, I kicked my alcohol habit and picked up a bike. I found my peak with thousands of hours on the bike, multiple races, fondos, and co-leading hundreds of successful group rides. I found my passion, enthusiasm and happiness on the bike. Whether you’re new to road cycling, weekend warrior, or a seasoned veteran I would love nothing more than to help you “find your peak” on the bike. Your “peak” will always evolve no matter your goals.